LYNN — Ahead of the 64th Agganis All-Star Football Game, two of its players were asked about, well, Harry Agganis.
Also known as the “Golden Greek,” a legendary Lynn athlete and All-American quarterback who suited up for Lynn Classical High School and Boston University. Expected to be a first-round draft pick, Agganis chose a professional baseball career and was the starting first baseman for the Boston Red Sox when he died of a pulmonary embolism in 1955, at 26.
If you thought the pair of teenagers wouldn’t know about Agganis, in whose name a foundation supports Massachusetts students with scholarships and educational opportunities, think again.
The two lucky Lynn natives — St. Mary’s Sam Phelps (South) and Malden Catholic’s Geovanni Peña (North) — said they’re honored to wear Agganis’ No. 33 this Sunday.
“He’s one of, if not the best, athletes to come out of Lynn,” said Phelps before Wednesday’s practice, near where Agganis played in front of a sold out Manning Bowl. “My grandparents still tell me stories about him to this day.”
“His name was everywhere and his picture was everywhere,” said Peña, who previously attended Lynn Classical. “It’s an honor to be able to wear this number.”
Phelps remembers standing under the Manning Field scoreboard as a child and occasionally being a waterboy at games. For the wide receiver and defensive back who will suit up at Tufts University (Div. 3) in a few months, it’s a “huge deal” to cap off his journey this way.
“My whole family grew up in Lynn,” Phelps said. “It’s definitely an honor.”
Phelps was the MIAA and Moynihan Lumber Student-Athlete of the Month last October, a Scholar-Athlete Award winner in football and basketball, and won a Div. 6 Super Bowl as a freshman on St. Mary’s.
When asked about team practices and Sunday’s game — if they’re fun or competitive — Phelps answered both. Technically.
“To most of the guys I’ve talked to, having fun is competing. We’re all great competitors and love playing the game,” he said. “It’s a great experience and everyone knows it will probably be the last time we’re on the field.”
A lineman, ready for action at Assumption University (Div. 2), Peña helped lead Malden Catholic to its first state semifinals appearance. He recorded 71 tackles (21.5 for losses) and eight sacks last fall.
When it comes to Manning Field memories, Peña remembers playing for Lynn Classical when his Rams defeated Lynn English, 8-6, on Thanksgiving Day. He recorded a safety in the opening quarter of the 2023 matchup.
Now, one last go.
“It’s really fun getting a group of kids and bringing them together . . . we’ve gotten along really quickly and it’s a great experience,” he said. “I want to have a good game defensively since I’m playing against all of my old teammates from when I was a kid — high school rivals and stuff like that. I know a bunch of kids and I want to win.”
With the No. 33 stitched onto their jerseys for one last game in Lynn, kickoff is slated for Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
